Even though the application process may be a couple years away, you can start law school prep as an undergraduate. What follows is a general timeline to follow throughout your undergraduate years to make sure you're preparing for law school in the best possible way.
Freshman and Sophomore Years
- Study hard. The best law school prep is earning the best grades possible, as your GPA will weigh heavily in admissions decisions.
- Choose challenging courses, particularly those with writing, speaking, and analytical reasoning components such as those on this list of recommended undergraduate courses for preparing for law school.
- Speak to a pre-law advisor and learn as much as you can about the legal profession, the admissions process, and the LSAT.
- Find a summer or part-time job related to the legal profession to give you a better idea on whether you’re making the right decision to pursue law school.
Junior Year
- Keep studying. Your junior year grades will be the last ones on your transcript submitted to law schools, so make them stellar.
- Visit LSAC's website to register with the LSDAS service and to read up on the LSAT, admissions procedure, and law schools.
- Begin looking at law schools, keeping in mind these 10 criteria for choosing a law school.
- Take a practice LSAT test and consider taking the June LSAT (in which case you'd have an opportunity to retake it in October). If so, register and start studying!
- Think about who you'll ask for letters of recommendation; keep in mind that asking potential referees before summer break will give them plenty of time to write something.
- Secure summer employment in the legal field if you haven't already.
Summer Before Senior Year
- Take the LSAT in June and/or register and prepare for the October LSAT.
- Prepare your personal statement and ask family, friends, and anyone else with great writing skills for feedback.
- Get your resume in top shape.
- Research financial aid options.
- Visit law schools that you are considering.
Fall of Senior Year
- Select the law schools to which you will apply, preferably with the help of a pre-law advisor, and request application materials. Make photocopies of all important forms.
- Get financial aid forms ready.
- Have a copy of your transcript forwarded from the Registrar's Office to LSDAS, which will send it to the schools you are applying to.
- Submit your applications as early as possible, before Thanksgiving break is preferable.
Spring of Senior Year
- Make sure that the law schools have received all information necessary to complete your application file.
- Watch those letters of acceptance roll in, and select which law school you'll attend. Remember, again, to refer back to the 10 criteria that you should consider while choosing a law school.
- Once you decide on a law school, let your pre-law advisor and referees know with a nice thank you note.
- Request that the Registrar forward a copy of your final transcript to your law school of choice.
- Celebrate and pat yourself on the back!
